March 24, 2007

Ambulance drivers must know first aid, says Chua

Star: AMBULANCE drivers must be able to perform first aid as they are part of the emergency response team, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
He told Nanyang Siang Pau that those with some experience could help save lives instead of just being drivers.
He said the ministry had made it compulsory for the drivers to join a short-term medical training course.
Dr Chua said the ministry would also operate an ambulance hotline centre to coordinate the operations of all ambulances.
Once an emergency call is received, it would inform the vehicle nearest to the address.
Dr Chua said the hotline was being tested in Johor, Penang, Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur.